Phaedra
By
Jean Racine
Act V:
Scenes 4-5

THESEUS (alone)What is there in her mind? What meaning lurksIn speech begun but to be broken short?Would both deceive me with a vain pretence?Have they conspired to put me to the torture?And yet, despite my stern severity,What plaintive voice cries deep within my heart?A secret pity troubles and alarms me.Oenone shall be questioned once again,I must have clearer light upon this crime.Guards, bid Oenone come, and come alone.

Take the Quiz

How is Theseus rumored to have died?

He descended alive into hell and was unable to return.He lost control of his chariot and was dragged to death by the horses.He was imprisoned in a cave and eaten by monsters.He was killed in a duel with his old enemy Minos of Crete.